Rudy J. Armendinger, age 80, of Marion, died late Sunday evening, May 20, 2012, at the Kingston Residence following an extended battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
On June 29, 1931, Rudy was born in Covington, Kentucky, one of four children of the late Charles and Catherine (Walbrun) Armendinger. As a family, they moved to Marion when he was only three years old, and there he would graduate from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1949.
Shortly following graduation, Rudy enlisted to serve in the U.S.Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He earned the rank of staff sergeant and was a senior aircraft mechanic.
Upon his honorable discharge, Rudy returned to Marion and began working at the Whirlpool Corporation. Due to his very particular and detailed nature, he was a perfect fit for their quality control supervisor position. He worked there for over 32 years, until his retirement in 1987.
Getting a second chance at love, Rudy married Louise (Kessell) McDaniel, on November 23, 1976. They shared a love for warm weather, and enjoyed wintering together in Murrell’s Inlet, South Carolina, where they were members of the Whispering Pines Golf Club. They cherished their nearly 27 years together, until she preceded him in death on November 20, 2003.
A man of faith, Rudy had attended the Grand Prairie Baptist Church for several years. He also had been a member of Stephen J. Chaney VFW Post 7201 in Marion.
To say Rudy was an avid golfer would be an understatement, he golfed as often as he could and anywhere he could. He enjoyed golfing in leagues at various golf courses in Marion, and tried to get a round of golf in everywhere they vacationed.
With a love for traveling, Rudy and his family were always in search of a good campground , warm weather and golfing. But what he always found, regardless of destination, was an old friend, co-worker or golfing buddy.
Having a “dry yet extremely witty sense of humor”, Rudy had a pun or a one-liner ready for all occasions that nearly always caught you off guard, but always made you laugh.
He will be dearly missed by his two daughters: Teena (Steven) Kistner of Bowling Green, and Amy McDaniel Washburn of Marion; three grandchildren: Brianne and Hillary Kistner, and Dalton Washburn; a brother, Charles Armendinger of Marion; a brother-in-law, Oscar “Ed” Ridenour of Marion; and several nieces and nephews.
Including his wife and parents, Rudy was preceded in death by two siblings: Edward Armendinger and Katherine Ridenour; and his former wife, Betty (George) Armendinger Freeworth.
Rudy’s family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 11AM, at the Grand Prairie Baptist Church, 4893 Marion-Upper Sandusky Rd., Marion, with Rev. Gene Parker and Pastor Anthony Gualtieri officiating. Military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans council will follow after his services. Burial also will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kingston Employee Christmas Fund, Kingston Memory Care Activity Fund or the Marion General Hospital Hospice, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Rudy’s family and your private condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
About Marion Online Obituaries
